James Gillray: The Art of Caricature

Titianus Redivius; -or- The Seven Wise men consulting the new Venetian Oracle

Detail from: Titianus Redivivus; - or - The Seven-Wise-Men consulting the new Venetian Oracle, 1797. The British Museum

This putto, or winged cherub, is blowing a trumpet from which come the words 'You little Stars, hide your diminish'd heads'; behind him stars representing the greatest European painters - Rubens, Correggio, Michelangelo, Raphael and Parmigianino - are all falling to the ground. The implication is, of course, that anyone learning Miss Provis's 'secret' will soon outstrip the achievements of these great painters.

Detail from: Titianus Redivivus; - or - The Seven-Wise-Men consulting the new Venetian Oracle, 1797. The British Museum

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